It is clear that our so-called leaders are determined to turn Nigeria into a mafia state
The current administration is leading the country astray, according to Pastor Tunde Bakare of Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), who has warned President Bola Tinubu firmly against “playing God” and urging him to change course.
On Sunday, April 20, Bakare addressed the status of the nation at a church auditorium in Ikeja, Lagos, and he urged a more modest and introspective style of leadership.
Bakare explicitly targeted President Bola Tinubu’s influence, alleging that it has led to legislative rascality in the National Assembly.
He also stated that the Assembly has become an extension of the executive branch, which violates the principles of separation of powers and rubber-stamps the President’s whims.
Bakare’s statements were directed at President Tinubu. Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, he pointed out that the present National Assembly is the least effective in its position as a check and balance because of its lack of effectiveness.
Bakare said in his speech that Tinubu should look at his leadership style and own up to the rising unhappiness in the country.
He said, “At the centre of this political banditry is the motor park brand of politics nurtured by the old brigade politicians, and in recent times, by President Tinubu. Mr. President, it is through your influence that the National Assembly has become a haven for legislative rascality.
“Mr. President, it is under your watch that the National Assembly has become an extension of the executive, grossly violating the principles of separation of powers and rubber-stamping the whims and caprices of your office, while singing the international anthem of sycophants -On your mandate we shall stand.
“Mr. President, thanks to your political machinations, Nigeria is now bedevilled by a captured National Assembly, the most ineffective in its checks-and-balances role since the start of the Fourth Republic.
“In 2006, the Fourth National Assembly had the audacity to reject the tenure extension bid of a sitting president. In 2010, the Sixth National Assembly summoned the courage to stand against a power-hijacking cabal and restore Nigeria to the path of constitutionality by invoking the Doctrine of Necessity.
“In 2011, the House of Representatives of the Seventh National Assembly had the courage to elect its leaders, as did the Senate of the Eighth National Assembly in 2015, defying executive interference.
“This National Assembly has by its unconstitutional endorsement of the president’s abuse of powers proven to be the most spineless in our recent history.
“Through its actions and inactions, it has, in effect, become the 48th member of the president’s cabinet, while a cabinet minister has, more or less, become a third-term state governor in Rivers State, pampered by the indulgences of the president.
In addition, he warned President Bola Tinubu about the perils of having unrestricted power, citing the phrase “unlimited power.”
“No man is wise enough or good enough to be trusted with unlimited power.”
He said, “Stop playing God,” and that he doesn’t want Tinubu to fail, but that he doesn’t agree with his ways either.
The furious preacher issued a warning that the current administration is steering the polity adrift and situation in Nigeria had progressed beyond the domain of simple political misjudgments and had into the realm of “organized injustice and gangster governance.”
“What we have seen since the beginning of the year is nothing short of a descent into tyranny, Bakare said.
“It is clear that our so-called leaders are determined to turn Nigeria into a mafia state. Citizens must rise, not just to watch, but to act. We must declare a state of emergency on this failing system.
“It’s often said that these two arms of government suffered the worst forms of arrest and development because they were the direct victims of the era.
“But after 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, one must ask how much longer before our institutions finally mature. While it is not in dispute that our institutions and constitution are inadequate, it has become obvious that our biggest problems in this nation are the occupiers of these institutions and executors of the constitution.
“The quality of leadership in Nigeria has become so repugnant that citizens must declare a state of emergency on governance, demanding that every aspiring public office holder undergo rigorous psychiatric evaluation before seeking election.
“Tell Mr President to stop playing God and begin to govern with justice, humility, and the fear of the Almighty.”
In addition, he criticized the National Assembly for its role in the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it as an act of legislative irresponsibility that was intended to silence criticism and enable impunity.
The religious leader, who is well-known for his forthright and outspoken pronouncements on matters pertaining to the nation, issued a warning that the troubles that Nigeria faces go beyond a flawed constitution and are directly attributable to individuals who hold positions of authority.
Bakare indicated that his message was not a condemnation but rather a call to action that was intended to steer leadership toward a more constructive path.
This was done within the context of clarifying the motivation behind his statements. The weakening of democratic institutions, particularly the legislature, during Tinubu’s leadership was something that he described as a source of concern for him.